Herby Turkey Roulade Recipe: Sage & Rosemary Magic

Succulent sage rosemary turkey roulade dances with herbaceous elegance on your holiday plate.

Tender meat rolls perfectly around rich, aromatic fillings that promise a festive experience.

The combination of fresh sage and woodsy rosemary infuses each slice with incredible depth and warmth.

Crisp edges and juicy interior make this dish a showstopper for any special gathering.

Delicate herbs weave through the meat, creating layers of complex flavors that will impress even discerning palates.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this elegant twist on traditional roasted turkey.

You’ll savor every bite of this restaurant-worthy centerpiece that transforms an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary celebration.

Ingredients for Turkey Roulade

• Turkey Breast: A lean and tender cut that serves as the centerpiece of this elegant dish.

• Sage, Rosemary, Garlic: A classic herb combination that adds rich, aromatic flavors to the turkey.
• Sugar, Salt, Black Pepper: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps create a smooth herb paste and adds moisture to the meat.
• Butter, Flour: Essential components for creating a smooth, flavorful gravy.
• Chicken Stock: Provides depth and richness to the gravy.
• Twine: Used to secure the rolled turkey roulade.
• Plastic Wrap: Helps with chilling and maintaining the shape of the roulade.

Making a Juicy Turkey Roulade

Step 1: Craft Aromatic Herb Mixture

• Fresh sage leaves
• Rosemary sprigs
• Minced garlic cloves
• Granulated sugar
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Kosher salt
• Olive oil

Blend ingredients until they form a smooth, spreadable consistency.

Step 2: Prepare Turkey Breast

Remove bones from turkey breast carefully.

Gently butterfly the meat to create an even surface.

Using a sharp knife, make delicate crosshatch cuts across the meat to help absorb flavors and ensure even cooking.

Step 3: Apply Flavor Coating

Generously spread the herb mixture over every inch of the turkey breast.

Massage the paste into the meat, ensuring complete and even coverage.

The cuts will help the herbs penetrate deeply into the turkey.

Step 4: Create Elegant Roulade

Place the turkey skin-side down.

Carefully roll the meat tightly, keeping the herb-coated side inside.

Ensure the outer layer is the skin, which will crisp beautifully during roasting.

Securely tie the rolled turkey with kitchen twine at regular intervals.

Step 5: Marinate and Chill

Wrap the turkey roulade tightly in plastic wrap.

Refrigerate overnight to allow herbs to infuse deeply into the meat and enhance overall flavor profile.

Step 6: Roast to Perfection

Preheat oven to 375°F.

Remove plastic wrap and place roulade on roasting pan.

Cook until internal temperature reaches 165°F, which typically takes about 45-60 minutes.

Use meat thermometer for precise doneness.

Step 7: Prepare Luxurious Gravy

In a saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.

Gradually pour in chicken or turkey stock.

Simmer and stir continuously until gravy thickens to desired consistency.

Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Tips for Perfect Turkey Roulade

• Crush herbs before mixing to release essential oils and intensify the aromatic blend for a more robust taste profile.
• Ensure turkey skin is completely dry before seasoning to achieve crispy, golden-brown exterior when roasting.
• Overnight refrigeration allows herb paste to penetrate deeply, tenderizing meat and enhancing overall flavor absorption.
• Tie roulade evenly and tightly to maintain uniform shape, ensuring consistent cooking and preventing uneven doneness.
• Use a reliable meat thermometer to check internal temperature, guaranteeing juicy meat without overcooking.

Flavorful Turkey Roulade Variations

• Chicken Roulade: Replace turkey with boneless chicken breast for a lighter alternative. Maintain same herb blend and rolling technique.
• Vegetarian Stuffed Roll: Use portobello mushrooms or eggplant as base. Fill with quinoa, spinach, and feta cheese for protein-packed option.
• Gluten-Free Herb Roulade: Swap wheat flour in gravy with cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Use gluten-free seasoning blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Mediterranean-Style Roulade: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and oregano into herb paste. Add crumbled feta cheese inside roll for Mediterranean flair.

Serving Turkey Roulade Ideas

• Festive Family Feast: Slice roulade into elegant medallions and serve alongside roasted winter vegetables for a stunning holiday centerpiece.
• Gourmet Plating Perfection: Fan delicate slices on a white platter, drizzle homemade gravy, and garnish with fresh herb sprigs for restaurant-quality presentation.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Match this rich turkey dish with a crisp chardonnay or light pinot noir to complement the herb-infused flavors and enhance the dining experience.
• Leftovers Magic: Transform remaining roulade into gourmet sandwiches by layering thin slices on crusty artisan bread with cranberry spread and arugula.

Storing Turkey Roulade for Later

• Store wrapped turkey roulade in airtight container for up to 3 days before cooking. Keeping the plastic wrap tight prevents moisture loss and maintains flavor.
• Wrap uncooked roulade tightly in plastic and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator overnight before preparing.
• After cooking, slice roulade and store in sealed container. Refrigerate cooked portions for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in oven at 325F to maintain moisture and prevent drying.
• Always check internal temperature reaches 165F when reheating. Discard any leftovers left at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

FAQs

• What herbs work best in this turkey roulade recipe?

Sage and rosemary are the classic herbs that provide deep, earthy flavors perfect for turkey. They complement the meat’s natural taste and create a rich, aromatic profile.

• How do I prevent the turkey from drying out?

Butterfly the turkey breast and create shallow cuts to help the herb paste penetrate deeply. Wrapping and chilling overnight allows the meat to absorb moisture and flavors, ensuring a juicy result.

• Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes, the roulade can be prepared a day ahead. After rolling and tying the turkey, wrap it in plastic and refrigerate overnight. This actually enhances the flavor and makes cooking easier on the day of serving.

Turkey Roulade Savory Details

• Quick Kitchen Magic: Transform a simple turkey breast into an elegant, restaurant-worthy dish with minimal culinary skills required.
• Impressive Entertaining Star: Create a showstopping main course that looks complicated but actually comes together surprisingly easily, perfect for impressing guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavor-Packed Delight: Infuse rich, aromatic herbs directly into the meat through a genius paste technique, ensuring every single bite bursts with savory, herbaceous goodness.
• Make-Ahead Master: Prepare the entire roulade a day in advance, allowing flavors to meld and reducing stress on the day of serving, making meal planning a breeze.

Turkey Roulade Sage Rosemary Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Succulent turkey roulade with sage and rosemary whispers holiday elegance, promising a centerpiece that delights sophisticated palates. Herbal notes and tender meat create a memorable dining experience you’ll savor with each delicate, perfectly rolled slice.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 turkey breasts, bone-in with skin

Herbs and Aromatics:

• 1/2 cup fresh sage
• 4 rosemary sprigs
• 8 garlic cloves

Seasonings and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons peppercorns
• 2 teaspoons sea salt
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) vegetable oil
• Extra oil for brushing
• 2–3 cups (480–720 milliliters) chicken stock
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) butter
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) flour

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Instructions

1. Create a fragrant herb mixture by mashing sage, rosemary, garlic, sugar, pepper, salt, and oil into a smooth, aromatic paste.
2. Carefully debone the turkey breast, opening it flat like a butterfly. Create shallow crosshatch cuts across the meat’s surface to help absorb flavors and ensure even cooking.
3. Generously massage the prepared herb paste into every crevice of the turkey meat, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Carefully roll the turkey breast, positioning the skin on the exterior. Secure the roll tightly using kitchen twine at 1-inch intervals to maintain its shape.
5. Encase the rolled turkey completely in plastic wrap, sealing it tightly. Refrigerate for 8-12 hours to allow herbs to penetrate the meat and help set the shape.
6. Preheat oven to 375°F. Unwrap the roulade and place on a roasting rack. Roast for approximately 45-55 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F when checked with a meat thermometer.
7. While the turkey rests, prepare gravy by whisking flour and butter in a saucepan. Gradually add stock, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5-7 minutes.

Notes

• Swap herbs like thyme or oregano for a unique flavor profile that matches your taste preferences.
• Pound turkey breast evenly to ensure consistent thickness and faster, more uniform cooking throughout the roulade.
• Create dairy-free version by using olive oil instead of butter in gravy and selecting plant-based stock options.
• Slice roulade cold for cleaner, more precise cuts when serving, allowing the meat to set and retain its shape perfectly.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg